News

News Round-up: April 8 - May 3

mossy_11 on Monday, 03 May 2010. Posted in News

gamebase64-browserA Mac-native version of GameBase64 Browser has been released. GameBase64 is a database of over 20000 Commodore 64 games, with detailed information and screenshots for each game. Setting up is not exactly intuitive if you do not already have the database file -- you’ll need to drag a folder (any folder) to the application, then it will tell you that the folder contains no valid database file. It will then allow you to download the database file from within the application. You can get screenshots and sounds packs here. It offers the ability to launch games in your C64 emulator of choice, but I couldn’t seem to get that feature working. Despite this strange configuration problem, it’s very impressive, so be sure to check it out (provided you have Snow Leopard installed).

A new version of the open-source IA-32 (x86) emulator Bochs was released on April 25. Release 2.4.5 implements X2APIC and Intel VMx2 extensions, fixes some CPU emulation bugs, reworks the configuration options, and more. Check the changelog for full details.

Those of you desperate for Steam on the Mac will have to wait just a little longer, with Valve announcing that it will be released on May 12. No word yet on what games will be available at launch, although you can be sure a few of Valve’s titles will be there.

More updates after the break.

Fashionably Late News Round-up

mossy_11 on Wednesday, 07 April 2010. Posted in News

Here’s some of the news you might have missed over the past month or-so:

Nintendo64In news from just a few days ago, the Mac-only Nintendo 64 emulator Sixtyforce has risen from the dead. After more than two years without an update, author Gerrit posted a new version on his birthday earlier this week. The update brings major improvements to the Cocoa interface, graphics and game compatibility, sound, and more. Download it here, and be sure to check out the MacScene discussion topic for more details (thanks erise for the tip).

123622-iphone_os_4_sneak_peekThe iPad launched in the United States less than a week ago, but is believed to have already sold more than 500,000 units alongside many favourable reviews. In less than 24 hours we’ll get a better idea of the iPad’s potential, as Apple will unveil iPhone OS 4.0 at an invite-only preview event.

steam_logo1In March, Valve officially announced that the Steam gaming service and Source engine would be coming to the Mac this month, with the Mac now considered a “tier-1 platform” by the company -- which means simultaneous release of future games for Mac and Windows. The announcement drove interest from other developers, including Gas Powered Games and DICE. Applications for the Steam on Mac beta are now open for anyone willing to tell Valve their life story (link). Check out the MacScene community's reaction here.

More emulator updates after the break.

MacTech: Fusion vs. Parallels

Niemann on Wednesday, 10 February 2010. Posted in News

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In what is one of the most complete and comprehensive comparisons between VMware Fusion and Parallels virtualization software for Mac, MacTech concludes that across the board Parallels outperforms Fusion.  Not only in start up times, normal application execution, disk activity, and compatibility, but also in 3D graphics and gaming.  If you're looking for a solid thorough comparison of these virtualization products, this is the best I've seen.  You can read the entire article here.

Commodore Amiga Emulator coming to iPhone

Niemann on Wednesday, 10 February 2010. Posted in News

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TouchArcade reports "Retro gaming fans can add another item to their "things in life to be excited for" list, as we just got word that Manomio, who brought us the C64 for iPhone [App Store] emulator, is currently working on bringing an Amiga emulator to the App Store."

C64, the Commodore 64 emulator referenced, had troubles with the AppStore approval process when it was discovered that the user was able to execute arbitrary BASIC code through the emulator.  The Commodore Amiga granted users even more freedom and it will be interesting to see the delivery system and application package that Manomio submit to the AppStore.

Virtual ][ Updated

iBatman on Tuesday, 09 February 2010. Posted in News

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Slow batch of news in 2010 it seems.    Well folks, here's an update to the Apple ][ Emulator.   Here's a list of features to those new to this application or this site.  

  • Emulates the Apple ][, ][+ and //e
  • Supports USB game pad and joystick
  • Store a running machine and resume later on
  • Full-screen mode
  • Epson FX-80 and Imagewriter II emulation
  • Many configurable peripheral cards
  • Realistic sound effects, including Mockingboard emulation
  • Convert original Apple II diskettes
  • Index your Apple II disk images
  • Debug Apple II programs

Not a lot of changes to this release but here's the list.

Version 6.3.6:

  • The program now accepts "dsk" image files with 41 tracks (the maximum so far was 40).
  • A recent Snow Leopard upgrade broke the "Make Movie from Apple II Screen" feature. This has been fixed.
  • Cassette tape files now get file name extension "cass" instead of "aif". As a result, the cassette tape icon appears correctly again in Snow Leopard. Old "aif" files can still be read

Visit Homepage      Download now

Final Fantasy Coming to the iPhone

Niemann on Friday, 22 January 2010. Posted in News

Seems like there's just a ton of iPhone news for us over the past couple days; and now we have news that Square Enix is bringing one of the most successful RPG series of all time to the iPhone and iPod Touch.  In December of 1987 the original Final Fantasy was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System.  Since then Final Fantasy has released twelve sequels (most recently Final Fantasy XIII for Playstation 3 and Xbox 360) and countless spin-offs.

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On Wednesday, Square Enix posted a series of screenshots to their facebook page under the title "FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II for iPhone / iPod touch".  The only other information included is:

"Over 20 years since the original releases, FINAL FANTASY and FINAL FANTASY II are coming to iPhone / iPod touch!  Release date: TBA.  Stay tuned!"

The interface appears to be slightly modified from the original GUI elements we have seen in previous remakes of the game.  This implies that Square Enix is taking advantage of the touch screen to navigate menus as opposed to other ports and remakes which have centered around an overlay gamepad.

View more of the screenshots after the break.

Sega Announces Ultimate Genesis iPhone Emulator

Niemann on Wednesday, 20 January 2010. Posted in News

Sega, creator of the original Sega Genesis console system, has just announced Sega's Ultimate Genesis app for the iPhone and iPod Touch.  Fundamentally, this free app allows the purchase of many classic Sega games such as Sonic the Hedgehog ($5.99) and Golden Axe ($4.99).  This app appears to be a fully featured emulator which downloads authentic ROMs of the original games; this means you receive the most authentic experience possible.

What is unique about this product is that it is an emulator and appears to be in direct conflict with Apple's AppStore policies.  Current Sega Genesis emulators for the iPhone are available only on jailbroken iPhones (genesis4iphone video above; ignore terrible music).  Others have successfully released similar products for the iPhone including C64, which is a Virtual Console-esque app for the Commodore 64.

The app is free and includes one free game; Space Harrier II.  Anyone else want to see Road Rash or General Chaos on the iPhone (or iPad) as much as we do?

Apple Boot Camp Now Supports Windows 7

Niemann on Tuesday, 19 January 2010. Posted in News

Apple has just released an update to Boot Camp that includes support for Microsoft's latest incarnation of their operating system; Windows 7.  The update also fixes a number of bugs, addresses a lot of various issues, and adds support for Apple's latest peripherals.

This update adds support for Microsoft Windows 7 (Home Premium, Professional, and Ultimate), addresses issues with the Apple trackpad, turns off the red digital audio port LED on laptop computers when it is not being used, and supports the Apple wireless keyboard and Apple Magic mouse.

The new version is Boot Camp 3.1 and is available in 64-bit and 32-bit flavors.  Support for Windows 7 requires an authentic copy of Windows 7 or a legitimate Windows 7 upgrade.  A number of systems are not supported by Boot Camp 3.1, including iMac, MacBook Pro, and Mac Pro models introduced in 2006.